Flyers' prospect suspended

Michigan State's Brent Darnell, left, and Union College's Shayne Gostisbehere, right, fight for control of the puck during the second period of an East regional semifinal game in the NCAA college hockey tournament in Bridgeport, Conn., Friday, March 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Gostisbehere, a defenseman for Team USA, had an assist in the game as the Americans defeated Slovakia, 9-3.

With 3:10 left in the first period, Gostisbehere skated behind Slovakia’s Matus Matis and forcefully drove his stick between Matis’ legs, striking him in the groin area, the IIHF said. Matis fell to the ice, but later returned to the game.

Gostisbehere was assessed a major penalty for slashing, plus a game misconduct.

The IIHF Disciplinary Panel deemed the action to be reckless and handed a one-game suspension, which will cause Gostisbehere to miss Wednesday's game against the Czech Republic.

Gostisbehere, 19, is a sophomore at Union (N.Y.) College. Last week, Ian Laperriere, the Flyers' director of player development, compared him to a young Duncan Keith, a standout defenseman with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.

Published: January 1, 2013 — 9:45 AM EST

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